Latest: The slalom event is confirmed to run! The BSA is on this weekend 8th and 9th May. They’ve been watching the forecasts closely and it was looking poor but at present all forecasts are looking like 12 to 15 mph NE for both Saturday and Sunday which is cross shore at the Branksome Deane Chine locations. Entry for the Masterblaster fleet is £25 and prizes include a brand new Neil Pryde Tempo sail. UKWA for this fleet is not necessary so there is no reason not to come and join the fun. Poole is home to one of the largest local slalom fleets with regular sailing throughout the summer so we expect a good fleet of Masterblasters and Amateurs. For more information please check the BSA website: http://www.windsurf-bsa.com
FREESTYLE’S BACK!
The 2010 UKWA windsurfing competition season has started really well with several successful events, now the Freestyle Tour starts up and joins in with Slalom for a double whammy event at Branksome Dene on 8/9 May.
Whether you’re a serious contender for international fame or just starting out there’s something for you in Freestyle windsurfing as the various categories allow everyone to compete at their own ability level and in their own age group in both light and strong winds.
It’s also great to watch for spectators as the competition is always close to the beach and the action is usually fast and furious. You may not know what all the tricks are called but you will certainly marvel at the skills being shown, who knows you may be inspired to enter yourself.
The younger you start the better you will become so for kids it’s one of the best windsurfing disciplines to get into, no matter how young or inexperienced you are you will be welcomed and if you haven’t competed before the pro sailors will help to you get started with plenty of advice.
Parents, friends and partners, you don’t have to act as a caddy or just sit and watch, you could help run the event. It’s surprising how many people are needed to make it happen and we’re always looking for help with flags, timing, streamers and beach marshalling. Come and see me on the beach and I’ll find you a job.
Trevor Funnell.
BSA Slalom
Round 3 of the 2010 BSA Slalom Event is coming the Branksome Dene Chine in Poole, Dorset on 8th and 9th May.
Following an exciting start to the season, with events in picturesque Tenby and at the home of the 2012 Olympics in Weymouth, the 3rd Round promises to continue to build on the BSA success with a trip to one of the South Coast’s premier windsurfing hot spots.
Pryde Group UK, NeilPryde and JP Australia have teamed up with FC Watersports, Animal and local windsurfing businesses to bring an action-packed weekend of fun windsurfing, Slalom Racing and demos.
Open to all ages and abilities this National Championship Event really has something to offer everyone.
Branksome Dene Chine, as with all the beaches in Poole, has a fantastic and famous sandy beach offering conditions to suit beginner and professional windsurfers alike, as well as catering amply for families and onlookers. With a southeasterly orientation the race area benefits from the predominant wind directions for this time of year, excelling in any direction from the north-east to the west.
Poole has become a real hotbed of talent for British Slalom Racing over the last four years, with a local scene of up to 120 competitors enjoying relaxed racing, and has always been a hot-spot for the sport due its fantastic facilities and sailing areas. With this in mind event number three of the National Tour promises to be one of the highlights of the BSA calendar for 2010.
The weekend’s event will feature:
- Freeride and Freerace Demo Equipment from NeilPryde, JP Australia and FC Watersports, along with all the top international brands and BSA members.
- Expert advice and dedicated weekend-long demo by professional windsurfing shop staff from FC Watersports, Poole Harbor Watersports and H20.
- On land, windsurfing taster sessions run by the Watersports Academy for non-windsurfers.
- MASTER BLASTER – simple, accessible racing for anyone with a relaxed atmosphere and awesome prizes
- AMATEUR FLEET – catering for most competitors with racing experience.
- PRO FLEET – for the fastest guys and those looking to mix in with the country’s best!
- Professional photography for all fleets
- Great prizes
- Overnight parking in the main car park, which is only available to racers who have bought a day ticket (Please see terms and conditions).
The Venue
Branksome Dene Chine is one of the local venues that Poole Slalom uses on a weekly base. Even though the parking is limited there’s more than enough space to park your cars and vans and rig sails on the beach etc. As you would expect, when the weather is good, the relatively small car park fills up very quickly so make sure you are there early to buy a day ticket.
There are very good facilities on the promenade, including toilets (with disabled facilities), ice-cream kiosks and you can easily reach the hot-dog/burger bars as well as the Restaurant / Cafe at Bransome Chine, which offers a selection of hot & cold meals throughout the year, further along the prom. You are very close to Bournemouth and it’s attractions, which are all within an easy flat walk along the promenade. All of the above provide a superb venue to bring the family along for a summer weekend in the sun.
The overnight parking is at the discretion of the Council and, like at Windfest, please keep noise down to a minimum so we can use the venue again. There are no power outlets or showering facilities on site. The venue has been, until now, a secluded and exclusive spot, a gem for local sailors in the know and now a jewel on the BSA 2010 National Tour!
Directions
From the A31 from Southampton: Take the A35 exit to Bournemouth, which is called the Wessex Way, go through one roundabout and at the second take the second exit onto the B3065, which is called The Avenue. At the Liverpool Victoria roundabout take the second exit onto the B3065 signposted The Avenue. Take the second left onto Tower Road and then turn right to stay on Tower Road, then there’s a slight right onto Pinewood Road. The entrance to the Chine is on the left, marked beach, through there you go down a narrow winding road which will lead you to the beach.
Camping
Camping, as mentioned, will be allowed for Friday and Saturday nights only. It’s “unofficial” so please keep noise to a minimum and the area tidy. Kit can be carried to the beach for rigging and trailers can be kept in the top car park, but please make sure if you use a parking bay that the trailer is paid for at a day rate.
Accommodation
There are many B&Bs in the area, which can be found at www.pooletourism.com
Entry
Registration opens around 8am (see noticeboard for any change).
Sailing Instructions & Notice to Race
These are published on the UKWA website, via information. Please print a copy. A limited number will be available at the event.
Further Details
Contact Bob Ingram 07889-161780
